The Law Society of England and Wales has raised concerns over alleged obstruction and harassment during bar association elections in Bangladesh….reports Asian Lite News
A global legal advocacy body has written to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressing serious concern over alleged irregularities and obstruction during bar association elections across the country.
In its letter, the Law Society of England and Wales said reports of cancelled nominations and restrictions on lawyers contesting district bar elections appeared inconsistent with the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, which it described as central to protecting the independence and professional autonomy of the legal profession.
The Law Society, which represents more than 200,000 solicitors in England and Wales, said its mandate includes defending lawyers from interference and promoting the rule of law globally.
Referring to reports published between February and April 2026, the organisation alleged that lawyers aligned with the Awami League, as well as independent candidates, faced obstacles in participating in district bar and Supreme Court Bar Association elections in Bangladesh.
According to the letter, several candidates were prevented from submitting nomination papers, while others allegedly faced physical harassment.
The organisation also claimed that some nomination papers were rejected on the grounds that the candidates were considered “collaborators of fascists”.
It further alleged that police pressured certain candidates to withdraw from contests and denied others participation by labelling them as associates of the former government.
“Taken together, the reported incidents point to a pattern of interference that may erode the independence of the legal profession and weaken the rule of law,” the letter stated.
The Law Society stressed that lawyers must be able to participate freely and safely in professional governance processes to maintain public confidence in an impartial justice system.
The organisation called on Bangladeshi authorities to ensure equal participation for all lawyers in bar association elections without discrimination and urged investigations into allegations of electoral irregularities, obstruction, harassment and violence linked to the polls.
It also appealed to the government to ensure lawyers in Bangladesh can carry out their professional duties without fear of intimidation, reprisal or harassment, in order to protect the integrity of the justice system and uphold the rule of law.
